Death Stranding is the strangest masterpiece I have ever experienced.

At first glance the game could be passed off as a "walking simulator," but it is much, much more than that. It’s admittedly not for everyone, with long breaks of silence and little action. If you have the patience, however, this game will reward you with a wholly unique and thoughtful experience.

The storytelling Kojima achieves is nothing short of spectacular. Death Stranding tackles many pervasive themes surrounding the human experience, such as loneliness, interpersonal connections, death, and the never-ending battle between selfishness and selflessness. The result is an extremely thought-provoking experience that resonated with me in a way few games can accomplish.

The massive landscapes plus an amazing soundtrack create the perfect environment to navigate these themes. Gameplay elements are all tied together with purpose, with many motifs prevalent throughout. The actual gameplay involves navigating gorgeous landscapes to transport cargo. Various challenges arise such as timefall, BTs, and MULEs, all of which pose a threat in some way. The sense of progress you get with new gear and vehicles, along with the variety of environments keeps the game feeling fresh while still staying close to its roots. Every element feels thought out as a piece of the cohesive whole.

What comes together is a beautiful experience that legitimately made me think about various aspects of my life. To truly appreciate this game, you must view it beyond what you get on the surface as you would a book. The messages told create a palpable feeling that seems to resonate with many. What makes this so masterful is the quality of the game on top of it all. I barely touched on the actual gameplay and that was for a reason: while it is of high quality, the themes discussed take center stage. This is one of the most emotional experiences I’ve had gaming. A masterful work of art.